Houses built with basements often suffer from moisture-related problems. This can lead to bad smells, for example, but can also promote mold growth. Mold in particular is something to take seriously because it can damage the structure of the house.
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to address the problem in good time. Unfortunately, many people choose to turn a blind eye to the problem, which can have fatal consequences - both for their health and the household's finances.
To keep it all under control, it is important to ventilate the basement space properly. One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to do this is via an exhaust fan, an Airmove Flow 100 or Airmove Flow 125 is a very good choice. So keep reading to find out more about how an exhaust fan combats moisture!
Why does moisture form in your basement?
Basements are usually classified as a hazardous structure. The reason for this is that the walls and floor are surrounded by soil. This in turn means that it is more the rule than the exception that the space is exposed to moisture.
So what causes moisture to penetrate the walls of your home? When it comes down to it, the following problems tend to be some of the most common reasons why the situation arises in the first place:
- Poor drainage, especially common in older homes.
- Sloping plots with ground sloping towards the house.
- Downspout located near the basement wall.
- Excessive water supply via discounts.
Additional insulation is a hidden cause
When the use of the basement changes, other problems also arise. A concrete example is the conversion of the space into living space. In order to be able to stay in the basement for longer periods, many homeowners choose to insulate the space internally.
The goal is to reduce heat leakage, which indirectly results in lower energy consumption. Unfortunately, additional insulation can do more harm than good. When moisture is trapped, mold also tends to appear like a letter in the mail!
Other common causes
For example, when you choose to convert the basement into a laundry room and shower, it will also result in more moisture. At the same time, all the people staying in the basement will generate approximately one liter of moisture over a 24-hour period.
Last but not least, the basement tends to be cool during the summer months. Unfortunately, this means that as the warm air from outside enters, the humidity will also rise. If you're unlucky, this can create conditions for both mold and rot to grow freely!
Should you install an exhaust fan in your basement?
An exhaust fan is tasked with transporting moist air out. This also helps to reduce high levels of moisture and the formation of mold. If your basement space feels damp or has a musty smell, we recommend that you install an exhaust fan from Airmove.
This is especially important if you consider that you have problems with condensation accumulating on the walls and ceiling inside the basement. Of course, this also includes the presence of mold, something you need to pay special attention to!
Choose the right fan for your basement
In order for the supply air fan to achieve sufficient efficiency, it is important to choose a model that is correctly dimensioned for your particular basement. If you are unsure about which model to choose, please contact us for a free consultation - without any obligations whatsoever.
Large proportion of houses affected
It's no secret that houses with basements are more prone to moisture-related problems. This is especially true when it comes to older houses where the drainage has often taken its toll and needs to be redone.
According to data from the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, around 27% of Swedish houses with basements suffer from moisture problems. This figure is even higher when it comes to older structures, especially considering that 34% of these lack functioning drainage !
Poor ventilation is one of the biggest causes of damp in basements, affecting around 50% of Swedish households - according to Anticimex . It is also estimated that only around 15% of households with damp in the basement make an effort to fix the problem.
|
Category |
Number of affected units |
Percentage of total buildings |
|
Basement with moisture and mold problems. |
80,000 |
27% of buildings with basements |
|
Older basement with poor drainage. |
— |
34% of older buildings |
|
Basement with poor ventilation. |
— |
50% of damp basements |
|
Fixed moisture problems in basement last year |
— |
15% of affected basements |
Note: A dash (—) indicates that numerical data was not provided in the source.
How do you determine if the ventilation in the basement is sufficient?
If you notice that one or more of the symptoms below recur regularly, it could be a sign that the ventilation in your basement is not effective enough:
- Condensation forms on the inside of windows and/or walls.
- You experience a constant feeling of humidity.
- Musty or bad odor that often indicates mold.
This is why it is important to regularly check the ventilation in the basement, but also take the necessary measures when necessary. Should the problem persist, despite having good ventilation, it may be worth reviewing both the house's drainage and insulation.
Quick tips for removing moisture from your basement
To create the conditions for a basement space that is both moisture-free and pleasant to stay in, we recommend that you follow these tips:
- Install an exhaust fan: An effective solution that combats moisture.
- Check the drainage: Make sure the water is directed away from the house.
- Use a dehumidifier: A temporary solution that can be an effective emergency solution.
- Clean regularly: Remove items that can collect moisture and mold.
- Seal all cracks: Prevent water from outside from penetrating through walls and floors.
These measures can together create the conditions to keep moisture out of the basement!
Closing words
The presence of moisture is a problem that requires immediate attention. By installing an exhaust fan such as the Airmove Flow 100 or Airmove Flow 125, you can create better conditions for a healthier and more pleasant indoor climate.
When it comes down to it, ventilation is the key to fighting moisture. To achieve this, it is crucial to properly drain and insulate the basement. The best advice we can give is to never ignore moisture in basement spaces!
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does an exhaust fan consume?
Generally speaking, an exhaust fan consumes 70-100 W of electricity per hour. By switching to a new fan from Airmove, you can lower this consumption to 3.5 - 6 W. This will in turn reduce your annual electricity consumption for each exhaust fan by approximately several hundred kWh.
Can an exhaust fan draw in fresh air from outside?
No, an exhaust fan is not designed to pull in fresh air from outside. Its main function is to transport stale air out of an enclosed space, such as a basement. However, it will indirectly contribute to better air quality by transporting out pollutants.
Is it complicated and expensive to prevent moisture in the basement?
When you choose an exhaust fan from Airmove you will kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand you will prevent mold, but also save money because our products are designed to save energy, when connecting an exhaust fan you need to hire an electrician as it is powered by 220v and must have a fixed connection.
